Degenerative spinal cord disease in dogs (Canine Degenerative Myelopathy)
- Synonyms: CDRM, DM
- Occurrence: very rare
- Location of disease: Back/Tail
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve pathways in the spinal cord of dogs, ultimately leading to Paralysis of the hind limbs.
The most important facts at a glance
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that occurs primarily in older dogs of certain breeds such as the German Shepherd and the Boxer. It is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans and leads to degeneration of the white matter in the spinal cord, which causes loss of motor coordination. Genetic factors, especially a mutation in the SOD1 gene, play a significant role in the development of the disease. A genetic test can help confirm the presence of this mutation, but not all dogs with this mutation develop the disease.
Symptoms include uncoordinated movements, weakness, and muscle wasting in the hind legs; complete paralysis can also occur in advanced stages. The diagnosis is made by excluding other causes and through genetic testing. There is no cure, but supportive measures such as physiotherapy, walking aids, and nutritional supplements can improve quality of life.
The prognosis is unfavorable, as the disease can lead to complete paralysis within six months to two years. Preventive measures focus on genetic testing and responsible breeding to reduce the risk for future generations. Research is currently investigating genetic and therapeutic approaches to slow or stop the progression of the disease, with stem cell therapy considered promising.
Causes
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that mainly occurs in older dogs, especially in certain breeds such as the German Shepherd, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boxer, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. The disease begins in middle to old age, typically from around 8 years of age.
From a scientific perspective, DM is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans. It leads to progressive degeneration of the white matter in the spinal cord. This degeneration affects the myelinated axons responsible for transmitting nerve impulses, resulting in a loss of function.
The exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that genetic factors play a significant role. A defect in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene has been identified as a significant risk for developing the disease. This genetic marker can be detected in affected dogs and carriers, indicating a hereditary component.
Environmental influences and other genetic factors may also play a role in triggering or worsening the disease, although these connections are not yet fully understood. Research in this area is ongoing to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis.
Symptoms
Degenerative myelopathy usually begins insidiously with slight signs of weakness in the hind legs. This can manifest as a wobbly or unsteady gait that progresses over time.
Over time, the weakness can develop into complete paralysis of the hind legs. Dogs may also have difficulty getting up or climbing stairs. In advanced stages, the front legs may also be affected.
Other symptoms may include a loss of proprioception, i.e., the ability to recognize the position of one’s limbs in space, as well as a loss of bladder and bowel control. Pain is generally not a direct symptom of the disease, as the nerve pathways that transmit Pain signals are not primarily affected.
Therapy
Currently, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, and treatment focuses on supporting and improving the quality of life of the affected dog.
Physiotherapy can help maintain muscle mass and improve mobility, which can slow the progression of the disease. Regular exercises specifically tailored to the dog’s needs can also be beneficial.
Additional supportive measures may include the use of walking aids or wheelchairs to promote the dog’s mobility. Supplements and certain medications can be used to support neurological health, although their effectiveness may vary.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is unfortunately unfavorable. The disease generally progresses within six months to two years after the onset of the first symptoms and ultimately leads to complete paralysis.
The dog’s quality of life can be improved through supportive measures such as physiotherapy and mobility aids. The decision about when to humanely euthanize depends on many factors, including the dog’s quality of life and the owners’ ability to provide the necessary care.
Prevention
The Prevention of Degenerative Myelopathy focuses primarily on genetic testing and responsible breeding. By identifying carriers of the SOD1-Mutation, breeders can make informed decisions to reduce the risk of the disease in future generations.
Some breeding associations and organizations recommend genetic testing for dogs of certain breeds that are susceptible to DM. This allows breeders to avoid pairings that could increase the risk of producing affected offspring.
There are currently no specific environmental measures that have been shown to reduce the risk of developing DM in dogs. Nevertheless, generally promoting neurological health through a balanced diet and regular exercise could be beneficial.
Outlook on current research
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that occurs predominantly in older dogs. It affects the white matter of the spinal cord and leads to a progressive loss of motor coordination. In recent years, research has made significant progress in better understanding the genetic and molecular basis of this disease.
A major focus of current research is on genetic predisposition. A mutation in the SOD1 gene has been found to be strongly associated with the occurrence of DM. This genetic link has made it possible to develop DNA tests that can determine the risk of the disease in certain dog breeds. Based on these findings, researchers are working to develop genetic therapies that may slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Another significant area of research is the development of new therapeutic approaches. Currently, there is no cure for DM, but various experimental treatments are being tested. These include neuroprotective drugs that may slow the degeneration of nerve fibers, as well as physical therapies aimed at maintaining the mobility of affected dogs.
Stem cell therapy is also being investigated as a promising approach. Studies in animals have shown that administering stem cells into the spinal cord can promote the regeneration of nerve tissue. Although these therapies are still in the early stages of development, they offer hope for future treatment options.
In addition to genetic and therapeutic research, scientists are also investigating environmental factors that could influence the progression of DM. Factors such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle could play a role in modulating disease burden. Long-term studies that take these factors into account could help develop preventive strategies that reduce the risk or slow disease progression.
Collaboration between veterinarians, geneticists, and neurologists is crucial for progress in this area. Interdisciplinary research approaches make it possible to better understand the complex mechanisms of DM and develop innovative solutions. While a complete cure for degenerative myelopathy is still in the future, advances in research are promising and could one day lead to more effective treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Degenerative Myelopathy?
2. Which dog breeds are most commonly affected?
3. What are the early signs of Degenerative Myelopathy?
4. How is Degenerative Myelopathy diagnosed?
5. Is there a cure for Degenerative Myelopathy?
6. Can medications cure the disease or stop its progressive course?
7. How can I help my dog with DM?
8. Is the disease painful for my dog?
9. Can I reduce the risk of my dog developing DM?
10. What current research approaches are there to combat DM?
Literature
- Bouché, T. V., Coates, J. R., Moore, S. A., Faissler, D., Rishniw, M., & Olby, N. J. (2023). Diagnosis and management of dogs with degenerative myelopathy: A survey of neurologists and rehabilitation professionals. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37(5), 1815–1820. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16829
- Ukawa, H., Akiyama, N., Yamamoto, F., Ohashi, K., Ishihara, G., & Matsumoto, Y. (2024). Negative selection on a SOD1 mutation limits canine degenerative myelopathy while avoiding inbreeding. Genome Biology and Evolution, 16(1), evad231. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evad231
- Gouveia, D., Correia, J., Cardoso, A., Carvalho, C., Oliveira, A. C., Almeida, A., Gamboa, Ó., Ribeiro, L., Branquinho, M., Sousa, A., Lopes, B., Sousa, P., Moreira, A., Coelho, A., Rêma, A., Alvites, R., Ferreira, A., Maurício, A. C., & Martins, Â. (2023). Intensive neurorehabilitation and allogeneic stem cells transplantation in canine degenerative myelopathy: A controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, Article 1179421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1179421
- Miller, L. A., Capria, V., Harrison, K. R., Kogan, L. R., & Olby, N. J. (2020). Retrospective observational study and analysis of two different photobiomodulation therapy protocols combined with rehabilitation therapy as therapeutic interventions for canine degenerative myelopathy. BMC Veterinary Research, 16, Article 161. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02373-9
- Zeng, R., Coates, J. R., Johnson, G. C., Hansen, L., Awano, T., Kolicheski, A., Ivansson, E., Perloski, M., Lindblad-Toh, K., O’Brien, D. P., & Guo, J. (2014). Breed distribution of SOD1 alleles previously associated with canine degenerative myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 28(2), 515–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12317
- Awano, T., Johnson, G. S., Wade, C. M., Katz, M. L., Johnson, G. C., Taylor, J. F., Perloski, M., Biagi, T., Baranowska, I., Long, S., March, P. A., Olby, N. J., Shelton, G. D., Khan, S., O’Brien, D. P., Lindblad-Toh, K., & Coates, J. R. (2009). Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(8), 2794–2799. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812297106
- Kathmann, I., Cizinauskas, S., Doherr, M. G., Steffen, F., & Jaggy, A. (2006). Daily controlled physiotherapy increases survival time in dogs with suspected degenerative myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(4), 927–932. https://doi.org/10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[927:DCPIST]2.0.CO;2
- Coates, J. R., & Wininger, F. A. (2010). Canine degenerative myelopathy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(5), 929–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.05.001
- Bouché, T. V., Coates, J. R., Moore, S. A., Faissler, D., Rishniw, M., & Olby, N. J. (2023). Diagnosis and management of dogs with degenerative myelopathy: A survey of neurologists and rehabilitation professionals. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37(5), 1815–1820. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16829
- Ukawa, H., Akiyama, N., Yamamoto, F., Ohashi, K., Ishihara, G., & Matsumoto, Y. (2024). Negative selection on a SOD1 mutation limits canine degenerative myelopathy while avoiding inbreeding. Genome Biology and Evolution, 16(1), evad231. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evad231
- Gouveia, D., Correia, J., Cardoso, A., Carvalho, C., Oliveira, A. C., Almeida, A., Gamboa, Ó., Ribeiro, L., Branquinho, M., Sousa, A., Lopes, B., Sousa, P., Moreira, A., Coelho, A., Rêma, A., Alvites, R., Ferreira, A., Maurício, A. C., & Martins, Â. (2023). Intensive neurorehabilitation and allogeneic stem cells transplantation in canine degenerative myelopathy: A controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, Article 1179421. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1179421
- Miller, L. A., Capria, V., Harrison, K. R., Kogan, L. R., & Olby, N. J. (2020). Retrospective observational study and analysis of two different photobiomodulation therapy protocols combined with rehabilitation therapy as therapeutic interventions for canine degenerative myelopathy. BMC Veterinary Research, 16, Article 161. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02373-9
- Zeng, R., Coates, J. R., Johnson, G. C., Hansen, L., Awano, T., Kolicheski, A., Ivansson, E., Perloski, M., Lindblad-Toh, K., O’Brien, D. P., & Guo, J. (2014). Breed distribution of SOD1 alleles previously associated with canine degenerative myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 28(2), 515–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12317
- Awano, T., Johnson, G. S., Wade, C. M., Katz, M. L., Johnson, G. C., Taylor, J. F., Perloski, M., Biagi, T., Baranowska, I., Long, S., March, P. A., Olby, N. J., Shelton, G. D., Khan, S., O’Brien, D. P., Lindblad-Toh, K., & Coates, J. R. (2009). Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(8), 2794–2799. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0812297106
- Kathmann, I., Cizinauskas, S., Doherr, M. G., Steffen, F., & Jaggy, A. (2006). Daily controlled physiotherapy increases survival time in dogs with suspected degenerative myelopathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 20(4), 927–932. https://doi.org/10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[927:DCPIST]2.0.CO;2
- Coates, J. R., & Wininger, F. A. (2010). Canine degenerative myelopathy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(5), 929–950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.05.001